Blades are pursuing targets, says boss

Danny Hall

Sheffield United have actively begun their preparations for their January recruitment drive, manager Nigel Clough has revealed.

The United boss made the admission after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Walsall, which saw them remain fifth in the League One table.

But, more worrying for Clough was the sight of Ryan Flynn limping off at half-time with a hamstring injury. The Scottish winger has impressed as United’s third-choice right back in the absence of Craig Alcock and Ben Davies, and Clough revealed that an inquiry about Cardiff City’s John Brayford was rebuffed by manager Russell Slade recently.

But the United boss said: “We’re active now.

“We’re making enquiries at the minute, and we won’t wait uintil window opens to do that. If we can line people up now we will do. But most importantly, they have to be better than what we already have here.”

If Alcock or Flynn do not recover before United’s trip to Port Vale on Boxing Day, then Clough is expected to field youngster Harrison McGahey at right-back. The 19-year-old replaced Flynn at half-time against Walsall and Clough said: “He did OK.

“And if we have to play him there, then we will. We have to find one from somewhere.

“We didn’t bank on losing three right-backs, to be honest, and that’s probably our only problem area at the minute. But hopefully Craig isn’t too far away from a return.”